Methods and apparatus for generating a data structure indicative of an alarm system circuit

ABSTRACT

A user of a computer aided design (CAD) system graphically places fire alarm appliances, such as smoke detectors and sirens, in a drawing area. After elements are placed and physical paths are determined, a series of electrical circuit connections between alarm source elements and alarm appliance elements are determined. The electrical circuit connections define wire gauges and lengths passing through the physical paths. The wire types may be determined by predefined rules, and multiple wires may be placed in a single physical path. Subsequently, the CAD system performs electrical calculations associated with the alarm system. The electrical calculations may be based on a supervisory mode of operation as well as an alarm mode of operation. The resistance of wires in the alarm system may be based on a scaled wire length and/or a schematic (non-scaled) wire length. In one example, a backup battery capacity requirement is calculated.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.10/282,560 filed Oct. 29, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to building construction drawing systemsand, more particularly, to an alarm drawing and wiring system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Alarm systems, such as fire alarm systems are commonplace and aretypically used in commercial buildings of all types. Fire alarm systems,which are usually placed into buildings during the construction of thosebuildings, include numerous initiating devices (e.g., pull stations,smoke and heat detectors), notification appliances (e.g., sirens andstrobes), and other devices typically disposed at or below the ceilingof each floor of a building, with each of the devices being electricallyconnected to fire alarm control panels within the building. Of course,there are many different kinds of alarm systems, and the type and designof an alarm system is generally based on a number of factors, such asthe use of the building, what is stored in the building, cost effectiverouting of electrical wiring, etc.

[0004] In the past, fire alarm designers designed a fire alarm systemfor a particular building using a blueprint or layout drawing of thebuilding. During this process, the designer selected the fire alarmsystem components to be used and designed the fire alarm system layoutbased on the locations of the walls, the ceilings, and other buildingelements. In addition, the designer designed the electrical connectionsbetween the fire alarm components. Faced with a large number ofpossibilities, this process was time consuming as it was manual innature. In addition, the manual wiring process typically did not resultin the most cost effective wiring scheme (e.g., the least amount of wireand wiring labor).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fire alarm drawing system.

[0006]FIG. 2 is a generic diagram of an image screen illustrating animage region and a command region on the display of FIG. 1.

[0007]FIG. 3 is a screen-shot of a “Connect Appliances to Circuit”window.

[0008]FIG. 4 is screen-shots of a “Disconnect Appliances from Circuit”operation.

[0009]FIG. 5 is a screen-shot of a “Label Appliance Elevation” window.

[0010]FIG. 6 is a screen-shot of a “Resequence Addressable Circuits”window.

[0011]FIG. 7 is a screen-shot of a “Resequence Appliances” window.

[0012]FIG. 8 is screen-shots of a “Update Wirepath Labels” operation.

[0013]FIG. 9 is a screen-shot of a “Trim” tab of a “Properties” windowand an “Added Material Item” window.

[0014]FIG. 10 is a screen-shot of a “Alarm Components” tab of a “PageSetup For Printing” window.

[0015]FIG. 11 is a screen-shot of a “Cable Properties” window.

[0016]FIG. 12 is screen-shots of an “Operational Matrix” window.

[0017]FIG. 13 is a screen-shot of a “Define Riser DetailsCharacteristics” window and a riser detail “Drawing” window.

[0018]FIG. 14 is a screen-shot of an “Alarm Tools” toolbar.

[0019]FIG. 15 is a screen-shot of a “Define Appliance List” window.

[0020]FIG. 16 is a screen-shot of a “Text Table” tab of a “Properties”window.

[0021]FIG. 17 is a screen-shot of an “Appliance List” chart.

[0022]FIG. 18 is a screen-shot of a “Battery Calculations” window.

[0023]FIG. 19 is a screen-shot of a “Battery Calculations” chart.

[0024]FIG. 20 is a screen-shot of a “Define B.O.M. Characteristics”window and a screen-shot of a “Bill of Materials” chart.

[0025]FIG. 21 is a screen-shot of a “Circuit Calculations Report”window.

[0026]FIG. 22 is a screen-shot of a “Circuit Calculations” chart.

[0027]FIG. 23 is a screen-shot of a “Define Circuit LegendCharacteristics” window.

[0028]FIG. 24 is a screen-shot of a “Properties” window.

[0029]FIG. 25 is a screen-shot of a “Define Legend Characteristics”window.

[0030]FIG. 26 is a screen-shot of a “Data to Include” window.

[0031]FIG. 27 is a screen-shot of a “Symbol Legend” window.

[0032]FIG. 28 is a screen-shot of another “Properties” window.

[0033]FIG. 29 is screen-shots of a “Benchmark” tab, an “Element” tab,and a “General” tab of a “Properties” window.

[0034]FIG. 30 is screen-shots of various tabs of a “Comm PhoneProperties” window.

[0035]FIG. 31 is screen-shots of various tabs of an “End of Line DeviceProperties” window.

[0036]FIG. 32 is screen-shots of various tabs of a “Module Properties”window.

[0037]FIG. 33 is screen-shots of various tabs of a “NotificationAppliance Properties” window.

[0038]FIG. 34 is screen-shots of various tabs of a “Power SupplyProperties” window.

[0039]FIG. 35 is screen-shots of various tabs of a “Relay DeviceProperties” window.

[0040]FIG. 36 is a screen-shot of a “Grid of Appliances Properties”window.

[0041]FIG. 37 is a screen-shot of a “Line of Appliances Properties”window.

[0042]FIG. 38 is screen-shots of various tabs of an “Initiator DeviceProperties” window.

[0043]FIG. 39 is a screen-shot of an “Ohm Meter Properties” window.

[0044]FIG. 40 is a screen-shot of a “Panel Properties” window.

[0045]FIG. 41 is a screen-shot of a “Control Panel Module” window.

[0046]FIG. 42 is screen-shots of various tabs of a “Panel Properties”window.

[0047]FIG. 43 is a screen-shot of a “Software Zone Properties” window.

[0048]FIG. 44 is a screen-shot of an “Add New Manufacturer/Product Line”window.

[0049]FIG. 45 is a screen-shot of an “Amend Item Costs” window and a“Define Filter” window.

[0050]FIG. 46 is a screen-shot of a “Circuit Data” tab of an “Add NewAppliance with Circuit Data” window and a “Modify Existing Appliancewith Circuit Data” window.

[0051]FIG. 47 is a screen-shot of an “Item Data” tab of an “Add NewAppliance” window and a “Modify Existing Appliance” window.

[0052]FIG. 48 is a screen-shot of an “Item Base” tab on a “Add NewAppliance Base” window and a “Modify Existing Appliance Base” window.

[0053]FIG. 49 is a screen-shot of an “Item Battery” tab on a “NewBattery” window and a “Modify Existing Battery” window.

[0054]FIG. 50 is a screen-shot of an “Item Cable” tab on a “Add NewCable” window and a “Modify Existing Cable” window.

[0055]FIG. 51 is a screen-shot of an “Item Panel” tab on a “Add NewPanel” window and a “Modify Existing Panel” window.

[0056]FIG. 52 is a screen-shot of a “Panel Module” tab on a “Add NewPanel Module” window and a “Modify Existing Panel Module” window.

[0057]FIG. 53 is a screen-shot of a “Trim Kit Detail” window.

[0058]FIG. 54 is a screen-shot of a “Panel Compatibility” tab on a “AddNew Panel Module” window and a “Modify Existing Panel Module” window.

[0059]FIG. 55 is a screen-shot of a “Panel Module List” tab on a “AddNew Panel” window and a “Modify Existing Panel” window.

[0060]FIG. 56 is a screen-shot of a “Required Circuits” tab on an “AddNew Appliance with Circuit Data” window and a “Modify Existing Appliancewith Circuit Data” window.

[0061]FIG. 57 is a screen-shot of a “Panel/Node Circuit Selection”window and a “Drawing” window.

[0062]FIG. 58 is a screen-shot of a “Select by ID” window.

[0063]FIG. 59 is a flowchart of a process for generating a datastructure indicative of an alarm system.

[0064]FIG. 60 is a flowchart of another process for generating a datastructure indicative of an alarm system.

[0065]FIG. 61 is a flowchart of an example process for calculating anelectrical parameter associated with an alarm system which includes bothscaled and non-scaled electrical connections between alarm appliances.

[0066]FIG. 62 is a screenshot of an example alarm system including bothscaled and non-scaled electrical connections between alarm appliances.

[0067]FIG. 63 is a screenshot of an example dialog box used to indicateif an electrical connection is a scaled or a non-scaled electricalconnection and to enter a numeric value for a non-scaled electricalconnection.

[0068]FIG. 64 is a screenshot of an example dialog box used to enter adrawing scale.

[0069]FIG. 65 is a flowchart of an example process for calculatingcurrent drains associated with an alarm system in both supervisory andalarm modes.

[0070]FIG. 66 is a screenshot of an example dialog box used to enter acurrent drain for each of a supervisory mode and an alarm mode.

[0071]FIG. 67 is a flowchart of an example process for calculating abackup battery capacity requirement for an alarm system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0072] Computer Based System

[0073] Referring to FIG. 1, a computer based alarm drawing system 10 isillustrated in block diagram form. It should be noted that, while thealarm drawing system 10 is described herein as being implemented insoftware executed on a personal computer, this system could be executedon any other type of computer as well, such as any laptop computer,handheld computer or data assistant, any larger mainframe type computer,etc. Still further, the alarm drawing system 10 described herein couldbe implemented in firmware or hardware elements such as in applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs) as well as in typical softwareroutines. It will also be understood that, as described herein, thedifferent modules, routines or programs stored in a computer memory maybe stored in any desired manner in volatile memory, such as in amagnetic type memory, random access memory, etc., as well as in anydesired type of non-volatile memory such as in EPROMs, EEPROMs, ASICs,etc. Still further, these routines may be embodied in hardware logiccircuits (e.g., memories) of any desired types, such as ASICs. Moreover,while the description herein specifically describes a fire alarm drawingsystem, this same concept could be embodied in any alarm drawing systemimplemented on a computer, including, for example, in security systems.In those cases, the drawing program could be tailored to the specifictype of alarm system being drawn.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the alarm drawing system 10 includes adisplay device 12, such as an LCD screen, CRT screen, plasma paneldisplay, printer or other type of display, a processing unit 14 and adatabase 16. The system 10 may also include user input ports 18 whichmay include standard or known inputs for a keyboard 20, a mouse device22 and a microphone 24 or other voice input device. If desired, thesystem 10 may also include one or more input/output ports 25 that enablefiles, such as drawing files or other types of data to be delivered tothe processing unit 14 from, for example, a compact disk (CD) or floppydisk drive 26, the internet, etc. Further, a printer 27 may be connectedto the alarm drawing system via one of the input/output ports 25 and anyother external communication port may be included and used to enable thesystem 10 to print out or to download reports or other data generated bythe system 10.

[0075] The database or memory storage unit 16 may be a RAM on a harddrive or any other type of memory and is connected to the processingunit 14 via any appropriate input/output (I/O) driver or device 28.Furthermore, the database 16 may include different storage regions forelements available to be used to draw an alarm system and for buildingelements available to be used to draw a building. The memory 16 may beorganized in any desired manner and may be accessed using any suitabledatabase access software. Preferably, the database 16 stores one or moredata structures indicative of one or more alarm systems including thecomponents of the alarm system, the physical placement of thosecomponents, and the electrical wiring between those components.

[0076] A number of different programs or routines may be stored in andexecuted on the processing unit 14 which, of course, includes a memoryand a typical processor such as a general purpose processor of anydesired type. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the processing unit 14 may storeand execute a number of modules or routines which are used to provideuser input/output functions as well as to implement or provideassistance in drawing an alarm system for a building. In particular, theprocessing unit 14 may implement a graphics or image display controller30 which may store, in an image data memory 32, data associated with theimage being displayed on the display device 12 and may process ormanipulate that data as needed. While the image data memory 32 willgenerally be RAM or a buffer memory that is easily accessible, the imagedata memory 32 may be within the hard drive of the computer or may beany other suitable memory. The image or display controller 30 may beimplemented using any desired or known image or display control softwareor routine, such as that associated with the MICROSOFT Windows operatingsystem.

[0077] The processing unit 14 also includes a program store 36 whichstores the programs or routines (or the portions thereof currently beingused) which are executing within the processor. The program store 36stores or implements the programs needed to perform the numerous tasksassociated with the alarm drawing program that will be described in moredetail herein. The processing unit 14 also includes a number of inputdrivers, such as any standard keyboard input unit 38 and mouse inputunit 40 which process the keyboard and mouse generated commands. Suchinput drivers may be those as provided by the MICROSOFT Windowsoperating system. Still further, and importantly, the processing unit 14stores and executes a automatic wiring module or routine 42. Theprocessing unit 14 also includes an arbiter or controller 44 thatcontrols the order of and the timing of the execution of the differentprograms or modules within the processing unit 14. Thus, the controller44 arbitrates the timing and execution of the different programs,routines or modules such as the programs within the program store 36,the input drivers 38, 40 and 42, the image controller 30, etc. to assurethat these programs interact together in a seamless manner.

[0078] In one embodiment, a fire alarm drawing program 50 is stored inthe program store 36. This fire alarm drawing program 50 may be, forexample, based on the AlarmCAD program produced by M.E.P.CAD. In anyevent, the fire alarm drawing program 50 may be implemented in a CADprogramming structure developed using an object oriented programmingparadigm. In this situation, the logical concept for describingcomponents of the computer program are known as objects. An object isused to define the properties and interfaces of a system component. Thecomputer program is an assembly of one or more objects and this objectstructure helps to clearly define and encapsulate the components of thecomputer program. The program uses “Object Oriented Programming,” anindustry standard practice, well known in the art, for programdefinition, design, and development. In one embodiment, the objects areimplemented in C++ program code as classes. A class is a C++ programminglanguage data structure that exists to implement the logical concept ofan object and is used to encapsulate the data properties andmethods/interfaces of an object into a single data structure.

[0079] Generally speaking, three basic foundation structure programs areinitially stored into the computer memory 16 or the processing unit 14to implement the alarm system objects for display in a fire alarm systemdrawing produced on the display device 12. First, Microsoft FoundationProgram Structure is a program based upon the Microsoft standardMulti-Document Interface (MDI). This program model is built upon a baseincluding four fundamental objects, namely, Application, Frame,Document, and View. The Application, sold under the trademark, MICROSOFTFOUNDATION CLASS LIBRARIES (MFC), provides utilitarian objects andrepresents a program itself. It is through the Application object thatthe process is initiated and all other objects come into existence. TheApplication creates the Frame, Document, and View objects. The Frameobject represents the frame window of the Application that becomesvisible to the user and acts as the manager for subsequent userinterface objects, such as other windows. The Frame object encapsulatesthe internal data structures used by the operating system, sold underthe trademark MICROSOFT WINDOWS, to create and maintain an application'sparent window. The Document object represents an instance of the user'sdata and is stored to memory for later retrieval. Many Document objectscan exist for each instance of the program, enabling the program to openseveral documents simultaneously. The View object represents a view intothe data of a Document object. The View object provides the user with avisual interface to the Document. The View object encapsulates theinternal data structures used by the MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating systemto create and maintain an application's child window. Many View objectscan exist for each Document object, enabling the program to displayseveral different views of the same document simultaneously.

[0080] The second foundation program within the routine 50 is a CADfoundation program sold under the trademark SYMMETRICA, for the alarmsystem design software. This software includes a set of programmingobjects that expands upon the MFC program structure. It adds capabilityto the MFC Application, Frame, Document, and View objects, enabling themto offer the fundamental behavior and interfaces of a CAD program. Manyessential objects provided by this program support the needs of a CADprogram. An Application object necessary to support the CAD program, anda Frame object which establishes the parent window framework required tosupport the CAD program objects are derived from MICROSOFT MFC Objects.A Document object is used to provide all the capability required toencapsulate CAD drawing data, which includes drawing elements and usersettings appropriate to each drawing. A View object provides a visualinterface to the document object. This View object provides the threedimensional view, rotation and scaling properties, enabling the user toview the document's data from any arbitrary three dimensional position,view rotation, and magnification. It also provides for requesting threedimensional Cartesian coordinate (x, y, z) point input from the user.Input is provided by the system pointing device 22 (mouse), the keyboard20, or both. Also provided is a base class object of all CAD drawingelements, such as lines, arcs, circles, etc., that can be managed by theDocument object and displayed by the View object. This object definesthe interface to the CAD drawing elements that all derived classesinherit through standard C++ mechanisms. This standard interface enablesthe definition of the new kinds of elements for the CAD drawing, such asa wire object derived from a line segment. The CAD foundation programfurther acts as the foundation program for other programs.

[0081] The third foundation program is the program sold under thetrademark OBJECT DBX. This program is a collection of objects forreading, writing, and viewing DWG and DXF drawing files. This fileformat is well known in the art, the industry standard for the exchangeof drawing files, and is used in one embodiment of the fire sprinklerdrawing system described herein. Using OBJECT DBX objects, the above CADfoundation has the capability to read, write, and view DWG and DXFdrawing files. This capability is implemented in the CAD programDocument and View objects. DWG and DXF drawing files can beread/appended to a CAD drawing and the CAD drawings may be stored on adata storage medium as DWG and DXF drawing files. Additionally, DWG andDXF drawing files can be selected as a backdrop to the current CADdrawing. This method enables the CAD program to make full use of thehigh-speed display objects to view DWG and DXF drawings. When thedisplay must be refreshed, the background drawing is displayed first,immediately followed by the elements of the CAD drawing.

[0082] In general, the CAD program stores fire alarm system elements,such as smoke detectors, sirens, power supplies, circuit panels, wirepaths, etc., as well as building elements, such a walls, ceilings,floors, beams, electrical components, plumbing components, etc. astemplates or generic objects in one or more parts databases in, forexample, the memory 16. The CAD program may also store informationdescribing features and capabilities of the drawing routine in the formof a Help database, in the memory 16.

[0083] During operation, the CAD program enables the user to perform anyof numerous commands to create or produce a building and/or a fire alarmsystem drawing having a plurality of alarm system elements connectedtogether at particular locations in the drawing using the parts andelements in the parts databases. During operation, and in response tothe user initiated commands, the CAD program produces the alarm systemdrawing essentially as a set of interconnected objects each havingparticular properties (as specified by the user initiated commands),such as location, size, color, etc. that define these objects and theinterconnection of these objects. The CAD program stores the alarmsystem drawing in a data structure, which may include fire alarm systemelements and electrical wiring data with or without building elementstherein, in the memory 16 or other memory associated with the system 10.The CAD program, using the image controller 30 and other programsdescribed herein, also displays the alarm system drawing, or portionsthereof, on the display unit 12.

[0084] In some cases, the CAD program may enable a user to perform otherfunctions or analyses on or with respect to the alarm system drawing,such as performing any desired or known electrical load calculations oranalysis on the drawing. Still further, the CAD program may implement areport that lists all of the parts in the fire alarm system or aselected portion of the fire alarm system, or any other desired report.While the fire alarm drawing routine is described herein as being anobject-oriented routine, it could be any other type of routine, usingother programming structures or paradigms, that provides a user with thecapability to produce a fire alarm system drawing on a display deviceusing a set of user initiated commands.

[0085] Interface Overview

[0086] As will be described below, the fire alarm drawing program 50 isresponsive to user initiated commands in the form of keyboard and mousecommands as well as voice commands. FIG. 2 illustrates the generic formof a possible graphics image that may be placed on the display unit 12including an image or drawing region 52 and a command region 54. Theimage region 52 is the region in which the fire alarm system drawingand, if desired, the building in which the fire alarm system beingdrawn, is illustrated in graphical form. The building and the fire alarmsystem can be drawn in any form, such as in two-dimensional form,three-dimensional form, etc. In this case, each part of the drawing,such as each building wall, floor, ceiling, detector, siren, wire, etc.is a separate object which is instantiated to have some particularproperties as well as a particular location in some coordinate space.The user can add or delete elements from the drawing on the image region52 as desired using appropriate commands.

[0087] Generally speaking, the command region 54, provides or displayscommands that can be used to draw a fire alarm system and a building inwhich this system is to be used. Such commands typically take the formof pull down menus and/or toolbars having numerous commands that can beselected by the user with, for example, the mouse 22 or the keyboard 24(via, for example, function keys) to perform certain tasks within theimage region 52. The command region 54 may also include a section 54 athat displays templates, toolbars, and/or other drawing commands thatcan be used to place, delete or modify objects within the image region.These commands may cause the curser to draw, for example, a wall, aceiling, a smoke detector, a wire, etc. when the command is selected andthe cursor is placed in the image region 52. When a user selects one ofthese commands and draws an element in the image region, the program 50will instantiate the element as an object within the fire alarm systemdrawing, as stored in the database 16.

[0088] Elements, Symbols, Groups, and Tools

[0089] As described above, elements are the individual pieces that makeup a drawing. Elements compose the visible form of the design. A simpledrawing could be entirely constructed of line segment elements. However,a typical design will contain a variety of elements, including firealarm specific elements. An element encapsulates the data and processesthat are required for the element to exist in the drawing and interactwith other elements. There are many different types of elements, eachspecialized to represent a particular design concept in the drawing.There is no practical limit to the variety of elements that may bedeveloped for the drawing. For example, the drawing may include alarmsource devices, alarm appliances, and/or other fire alarm components.Preferably, every instance of every element in the drawing is assigned aunique identification number. The identification number may appear on anelement properties page for each element.

[0090] Symbols provide a convenient and efficient means for duplicatinga collection of elements repeatedly in a drawing. The drawing data thatmakes up the symbol is stored once, and then each instance of the symbolin the drawing simply references the common drawing data. For example, adrawing of a conference room might contain many instances of the samechair symbol. Each instance of a symbol in the drawing causes a graphicrepresentation of the symbol data to appear at that location. The symbolinstance exists on only one layer. Each symbol instance can be assigneda 3D rotation, 3D scale and color. The color of the symbol instance onlyaffects certain elements within the symbol data. For example, a chairsymbol could be created so that the color of the symbol instance onlyaffects the fabric portions. Each symbol instance references a singlecommon symbol definition. The appearance of instances of a symbolthroughout a drawing may be changed by changing the definition of thesymbol.

[0091] Grouping elements together creates an association betweenelements in the drawing. The element data exists in the data structurefor the drawing. Each element of a group exists on a drawing layer.Consequently, layer visibility can be used to control portions of agroup. Every group has a designated “parent” element. When the usercreates a group, a special stretch box element is created to act as theparent of the group. The selected elements are then associated with thestretch box parent element. In most groups, selecting any element of thegroup causes the entire group to become selected. In such groups theparent provides the only interface to modify the individual members. Inthe case of the user-created stretch box group, the members of the groupare scaled according to size changes to the parent element. Some groupsform a loose association that enables the individual elements of thegroup to be modified without breaking the group. Dimension lines arecreated in this way, with the text loosely grouped with the dimensionlines. This enables the dimension line to manage the contents of itstext while permitting the user to easily modify the location of thetext.

[0092] Tools are the user interfaces that create elements in a drawing.Tools may use a variety of user interface objects, such as dialog boxwindows and custom controls, to collect the information needed to createassociated drawing and data structure elements. Tools may also requirethe identification of drawing locations, either with the mouse and/orvia textual input. When a new element type is added, a new tool isusually developed that creates a single instance of the element in adrawing. These utilitarian tools provide base level functionality forcreating drawings. Tools are not restricted to creating only oneelement. An example of this is the Circle tool, which creates an Ellipseelement. The Ellipse is not restricted to a circular shape, so it is notappropriate to call it a Circle element. On the other hand, the Circletool is restricted to creating circular shapes. Many tools query theuser for point input. In such an instance, the user can choose to use adifferent tool rather than answering the point input prompt. Generally,starting a new tool completely and safely cancels any tool that iscurrently awaiting point input. There are a few tools that suspend thecurrent tool rather than canceling it. Examples include “Zoom Area” and“Move Benchmark.” These tools are useful while in the midst of thedrawing tools. Once these tools are finished, control reverts to thedrawing tool that was suspended.

[0093] The drawing system may include a wide variety of computer-aideddesign (CAD) tools and commands. For example, the drawing system mayinclude commands such as rotate, array, bind, clean-up, create detail,create symbol, flaften, group, hide layers, match color, matchelevation, match layer, match line type, match line weight, matchproperties, mirror, move, copy, paste, scale, split, stretch, trim,extend, center, connect, and/or other commands and tools included incommercially available CAD packages.

[0094] Alarm System Design Tools

[0095] In addition, specific commands/tools for designing fire alarmsystems are preferably included. For example, after placing one or morealarm source devices (e.g., power supply, circuit panel, module,addressable signaling line, remote bus signaling line, notificationcircuit, etc.) and/or one or more alarm appliances (e.g., notifierdevice, siren, bell, initiator device, smoke detector, heat detector,carbon-dioxide detector, relay, phone, etc.), the user may wish toconnect appliances to circuits, disconnect appliances, label applianceselevations, re-sequence by addressable circuits, re-sequence by selectedappliances, update wirepath labels, etc.

[0096] A “Connect Appliance to Circuit” tool connects selected deviceson a drawing field to available circuit panels. To connect appliances toa circuit, the user may select an appliance and click either a “ConnectAppliance” icon on a “Circuit” toolbar or choose “Connect Appliances toCircuit” from a “Commands” menu. On the “Connect Appliances to Circuit”dialog (see FIG. 3), the user may choose a panel from the “Panel/ModuleSource Selection” drop-down. The chosen panel's circuit information thenappears. The selected device and any other devices of the same type thatprecede the selected device on a shared wirepath are listed in an“Appliance Section” window. The user may check or uncheck any appliancesthat he wishes to include in, or exclude from the connection process.Under “Connection,” unchecking “Generate Cables” connects the selecteddevice(s) to the chosen panel without placing either a cable or awirepath in the drawing. Checking “Generate Circuit in Cables” gives theconnecting wirepath circuit information (which is accessible bydouble-clicking the wirepath to bring up its “Properties” page). Under“Circuit Wiring,” the user may choose “Parallel” to splice theconnecting cable into an existing circuit, or the user may choose“Series” to include the new appliance into an existing sequence.

[0097] A “Disconnect Appliances from Circuit” tool dissociates selecteddevices from their current circuit assignment(s) without removingjoining wirepaths or cable properties. To break an appliance'sconnection, the user may select the appliance by clicking on it in thedrawing field. From the “Commands” menu, the user may choose “DisconnectAppliances” (see FIG. 4). If “Show Invalid Connections” is checked on a“View” menu, a lightning bolt will appear across the disconnectedappliance (see FIG. 4). The “Disconnect Appliance” command does notremove wirepaths or cables, so these will still appear in the drawing.Double-clicking the wirepath will display the wirepath's properties.

[0098] A “Label Appliance Elevation” tool allows a user to include “Z”dimension information for selected devices. Elevation, or Z height, ismeasured relative to the current location of a benchmark (which may beplaced anywhere by the user). To include the Z height of a specificappliance in the data attached to it, the user may select a symbol inthe drawing field and choose “Label Appliance Elevation” in the“Commands” menu. A “Label Appliance Elevation” dialog box (FIG. 5)includes an elevation prefix. New text can be added to or replaceentirely the existing prefix, or if “Suffix” is checked, any textentered in the box will follow the elevation. Subsequently, theelevation information appears below the symbol in the drawing and theuser may adjust the position of the elevation information.

[0099] A “Re-sequence by Addressable Circuit” tool changes thedesignations of all devices that share a particular wire. With one ormore circuits in the drawing selected, the user may choose “Re-sequenceby Addressable Circuit” from the “Commands” menu. In a “ResequenceAddressable Circuits” window (FIG. 6), all available circuits in thedrawing are listed by “Panel,” “Node,” “Circuit,” and the number ofappliances involved. After the user selects the circuits he wants toalter, the user may enter a number for the first device in the selectedseries under “Current Selection.” The user may also check a “ReverseOrdering” box to assign the entered number to the last device andsuccessive numbers to devices that precede it in the sequence accordingto their relative position. Next, the user may click the “Performresequencing” button to enact the changes made on the dialog.

[0100] A “Re-sequence Selected Appliance” tool changes the designationsof all devices that are currently selected. With one or more circuits inthe drawing selected, the user may choose “Re-sequence SelectedAppliance” from the “Commands” menu. The “Panel,” “Node,” and “Circuit”assignment for the chosen device(s) are listed in an “ResequenceAppliances” window (FIG. 7). Next, the user may enter the number toassign to the chosen device (or the first device in the series). Theuser may also check the “Reverse Ordering” box to assign the enterednumber to the select device and successive numbers to any selecteddevices that precede it in the sequence according to their relativeposition.

[0101] An “Update Wirepath Labels” tool evaluates cable properties andrevises information presented on the wirepath label to reflect currentconditions. In the drawing field, the user may select a wirepath labelto be revised and choose “Update Wirepath Labels” from the “Commands”menu (FIG. 8).

[0102] A “Trim” tab allows the user to assign peripherals to selectedelements. For example, a “Fire Alarm Control” panel comes with a “PanelCore Assembly” that includes a “Power Supply” and a “Sub-plate Assembly”(FIG. 9). The components of a kit appear in the “Material List” window.New parts can be added to the list with an “Add new parts” button, andparts selected in the “Materials List” window can be customized with an“Edit parts” button. Both the “Add new parts” and the “Edit parts”buttons open a “Added Material Item” page. Checking the “Reference aparts book . . . ” box draws item characteristics from the partsdatabase. If the user wants to include an item not found in the “PartsBook,” the user may uncheck the box and describe the item on the linesprovided. In order to make wire paths nearer the viewer appear in frontof those further away, the user may check a “Break crossing wire paths”box under “Wire Path Overlap Clipping” on the “Alarm Components” tab(FIG. 10).

[0103] The operation of the “Wire Path” tool depends on the itemsconnected by the wire path being operated on. If the cursor is equippedwith the wire path tool and used in an open space with no appliances orpanels involved, the result is a wire path without any cable properties.However, if the wire path equipped cursor is used to connect anappropriately provisioned panel to a relay device, clicking the “Cable”icon on the “Circuit Properties” page opens a “Cable Properties” dialog(FIG. 11). To alter cable properties, the user may choose from thevariables listed on the “Manufacturer,” “Type,” “Number of Conductors,”“Description,” and “Wire Gage” drop downs. Under “Resistance,” checkingthe “Override” box allows the user to edit the Ohms per foot ratioassociated with the cable.

[0104] The “Matrix” tool allows the user to define a sequence ofoperations by relating system inputs to system outputs in a relationalgrid. To use the “Matrix” grid, the user may open the “Tools” menu andchoose “Matrix” then, on the submenu, choose “Operational Matrix.” Onthe “Setup” tab of the “Operational Matrix” dialog the user may give thegrid a name in a “Title” box. Under “System Inputs” on a “Input” tab,the user may divide the devices into groups by establishing a “Group” inthe window with the arrow key and double-clicking the available devicenames (FIG. 12). To add a device to the list, the user may enter a namefor the device in the “User Defined Device” window and then click“Create.” The user may also double-click on a new addition in the“Devices” window to add the device to the desired group. On the “Output”tab, the user may use the arrow key to set “Categories” for devicesselected on the “Input” tab. Under “Action”, the user may select fromthe listed measurement actions.

[0105] The “Riser Detail” tool creates a separate schematic (rather thandiagrammatic) presentation of a drawing. To generate this schematicview, the user may choose “Riser Detail” from the “Tools” menu. Threeoptions are available on the “Define Riser Details Characteristics”dialog (FIG. 13) If there are appliances manually connected to panelswithout wire paths (i.e., using the “Connect appliances” button on the“Alarm Circuit” toolbar) in the drawing that the user wants to appear inthe “Riser Detail,” the user may check “Include Wireless Appliances.”“Combine Similar Appliances” places the number of appliances next to asymbol for that appliance group for each circuit. “Compress RiserDisplay” removes excess space between items, reducing the area consumedby the schematic. Activating “Riser Detail” opens a new view of thedrawing. If the drawing field is maximized to full screen display, the“Riser Detail” window will also open in full screen mode. To view theoriginal drawing window, the user may click either the “Restore Down” or“Minimize” icons in the Windows frame. Note that changes made to the“Riser Detail” do not appear in the original drawing and vice versa. Toadd items to the “Riser Detail,” the user may edit the original drawingand generate a new “Riser Detail.”

[0106] Alarm System Design Toolbars

[0107] Icons may serve as shortcuts for frequently used tools andcommands. These icons are sometimes gathered when they invoke relatedcommands in groups called toolbars. Toolbars can be moved around thescreen for convenience and space considerations. They can also be turnedon and off (made visible or hidden) as desired. “Tool Tips” appear onthe “Status” bar when the cursor lingers over an icon button.

[0108] A “Circuit” toolbar controls device connection methods within thedrawing field. “Global Properties” tools are used to define defaultproperties for all subsequently drawn elements. An “Input Box” is usedfor entering specific points on the X, Y, Z axes. A “Main Toolbar”contains many basic Windows functions in addition to a “Layer Manager”and a “Show/Hide parts tree” button. A “Parts Tree” is an area betweenthe vertical toolbars and the drawing window, where the user can storepieces of drawings for use at a later time. A “Product Line” toolbardisplays manufacturer, product line and part number information for aninsertion tool. A “Render” toolbar shifts a drawing's appearance from a“wire” display mode to a “Shaded” display mode and vice versa. A“Select” toolbar controls the cursor arrow, the benchmark location andthe “Rectangular Selection with Crossing” functions. A “Tools” toolbaractivates various functions to aid in alarm system design. This includessuch functions as drawing walls, lines and shapes. A “Camera” toolbar isa condensed version of the “View Tools” commands.

[0109] An “Alarm Tools” toolbar includes a plurality of icons used toplace a variety of alarm components on the drawing field (FIG. 14).Clicking any of the icons in the “Alarm Tools” toolbar activates thecorresponding tool. Dialog boxes emerge with the activation of severalof the tools, presenting essential characteristics of the elements to beimplemented. With a dialog adjusted to user's liking, or if noneappears, the user may move the cursor to the desired location within thedrawing and left-click to place the selected alarm component.

[0110] A “Panel” icon 1402 equips the cursor to place a main or localpanel into the drawing field. A “Module” icon 1404 equips the cursor toplace a contact monitor, a detector monitor or a line isolator into thedrawing field. An “EOL Device” icon 1406 equips the cursor to place anend line resistor element into the drawing field. An “Ohm Meter” icon1408 equips the cursor to place a measuring device on any appliance inthe drawing field. A “Software Zone” icon 1410 is a boundary tool thatcreates area designations for control panel programming.

[0111] An “Initiator” icon 1412 equips the cursor to place a smokedetector, heat sensor or manually activated alarm element into thedrawing field. A “Relay Device” icon 1414 equips the cursor to place arelay device into the drawing field. A “Power Supply” icon 1416 equipscursor to place an energy source into the drawing field. A “Line ofAppliances” icon 1418 is a quick way to layout a string of connectedinitiators, notifiers, and/or modules. A “Wire Path Label” icon 1420equips the cursor to place a tag baring relevant location and assignmentinformation anywhere along a stretch of cable.

[0112] A “Notifier” icon 1422 equips the cursor to place bells, strobes,horns or chimes into the drawing field. A “Communications Telephone”icon 1424 equips the cursor to place a communications telephone elementinto the drawing field. A “Wire Path” icon 1426 equips the cursor toconnect panels, appliances, and/or layout wire(s). A “Grid ofAppliances” icon 1428 is a quick way to layout a network of connectedinitiators and/or modules. A “Reports” icon 1430 offers a number ofinformation gathering and presentation options.

[0113] Alarm System Design Reports

[0114] The user may have one or more reports generated by the CADsystem. To generate an “Appliance List” report, the user may use an“Appliance List” tool. The “Appliance List” tool compiles location andassignment information for each Initiator, Notifier, Module, RelayDevice, EOL Device and Comm Phone in the drawing before equipping thecursor to place the data, in chart form, into the drawing. To use the“Appliance List” tool, the user may choose “Appliance List . . . ” fromthe “Tools” menu. On the “Define Appliance List” dialog, the user maycheck the appliances to be included (FIG. 15). On a “Text Table” tab,the user can change the title of the chart and add or remove informationfrom the display (FIG. 16). Next, the user may left-click in the drawingto place the chart (FIG. 17). A ghost image of the chart follows thecursor to help the user locate the information in best possibleposition. Once the chart is placed, it can be dragged to a new locationand/or modified.

[0115] To generate a “Battery Calculations” report, the user may use a“Battery Calculations” tool. The “Battery Calculations” tool compilesparts information and computes electrical current requirements for agiven alarm panel before equipping the cursor to place the data, inchart form, into the drawing. From the “Tools” menu, the user may choose“Battery Calculations.” On a “Battery Calculations” dialog, the user maychoose the desired panel(s) from the “Control Panel Selection” window(FIG. 18). On a “Text Table” tab change the title of the chart and addor remove information from the display. Finally, the user may left-clickin the drawing to place the chart (FIG. 19).

[0116] To generate a “Bill of Materials” report, the user may open the“Print Alarm Reports” submenu from the “File” menu and choose “Bill ofMaterials . . . .” A “Bill of Materials” report compiles a wide varietyof product information for each item implemented in the drawing. On a“Define B.O.M. Characteristics” dialog, the user may check themanufacturers and fields to be included, then give the list a specifictitle (FIG. 20). In addition, the user may click the “Text tableproperties” button to change the title of the chart and add or removeinformation from the display.

[0117] To generate a “Circuit Calculations Report,” the user may openthe “Print Alarm Reports” submenu on the “File menu and choose “CircuitCalculations . . . .” A “Circuit Calculations Report” is a print-readycompilation of the “Part Number,” “Appliance Description,” and“Distance” from each appliance to the control panel in addition to the“Current,” “Voltage,” and “Voltage Drop” of each device sharing theselected circuit. On a “Circuit Calculations Report” dialog, the usermay choose the desired panel from the “Panel/Module Source Selection”drop-down (FIG. 21). From the “Active Circuit Selection” window, theuser may choose the circuit(s) he wants to include in the calculationand then click a “Highlight” button to confirm the choice. If thehighlighted circuit is incorrect, the user may choose another circuitfrom the window above. On the “Text Table” tab, the user may change thetitle of the report and add or remove information from the display.Subsequently, the chart may be placed on the drawing (FIG. 22).

[0118] To generate a “Circuit Legend” report, the user may open the“Print Alarm Reports” submenu from the “File” menu and choose “CircuitLegend . . . .” A “Circuit Legend” report is a compiled “Abbreviation,”“Name” and “Type” of each circuit implemented in the drawing. On the“Define Circuit Legend Characteristics” dialog, the user may checkinclusion and limit parameters and then give the list a specific title(FIG. 23). In addition, the user may click the “Text table properties”button to change the title of the chart and add or remove informationfrom the display (FIG. 24).

[0119] To generate a “Wire Path Label Legend” report, the user may openthe “Print Alarm Reports” submenu from the “File” menu and choose “WirePath Label Legend . . . .” A “Wire Path Label Legend” report includesthe purpose of each wire path label implemented in the drawing. On a“Define Legend Characteristics” dialog, the user may give the report aspecific title (FIG. 25). The “Data to Include” dialog defines a keywhich relates abbreviation placement information to circuitcharacteristics (FIG. 26). The user may check the boxes on the top halfof the dialog to include or exclude symbol locations from wire pathlabels. “Circuit Types,” their “Names,” and the corresponding“Abbreviations” are listed. In addition, the user may click the “Texttable properties” button to change the title of the chart and add orremove information from the display.

[0120] A “Symbol Legend” tool searches for all unique device symbols,finds a part number and description for each in the “Parts Database,”and equips the cursor to place the compiled information into thedrawing. To generate a “Symbol Legend,” the user may open the “Tools”menu and choose “Symbol Legend” (FIG. 27). If the user does not want thelegend located on the default layer, the user may choose another layerfrom a “Layer” drop-down. A “Font . . . ” button allows the user tochange the appearance of “Product Descriptions,” “Parts Numbers,” and“User” in the drawing. Under “Select appliances to include in the symbollegend,” the user may check boxes in the “Include” column to establishwhich device symbols will appear on the legend. The user may click onany of the “Descriptions,” “Parts Numbers,” or “User Text” and key inany changes or additions he wants to make.

[0121] Alarm System Design Properties

[0122] Most of the elements in a drawing are associated with certaindevice “properties” which may be modified by the user and stored in thedata structure(s). The “Properties” page for any element displaysvarious characteristics unique to that element (FIG. 28). Features likeheight, width, length, color, shape, etc. can be altered from aproperties page. To access the properties page for a given element, theuser may (i) double-click on the element; (ii) right-click on theelement and choose “Properties;” (iii) select the element and press the“Properties” button on the “Actions” toolbar; (iv) select the element,drop down the “Settings” menu and choose “Properties . . . ;” or (v)select the element and strike the key combination “Alt+Enter.”

[0123] The “Benchmark” tab of some “Properties” dialogs may givecharacteristics and settings unique or essential to the specific element(FIG. 29). For example, location and rotation properties may appear on a“Benchmark” tab. The “Element” tab gives limited information such as anelement's unique ID number, a list of elements to which it is connected,the identification numbers of those elements, and any offset distances.The “General” tab allows the user to assign an element to a layer andcustomize the appearance of an element. The “Render” section of the“General” tab contains presentations aspects such as color, transparencyand view modes. “Line” properties at the bottom of the “General” tabgovern the appearance of the lines that form the element.

[0124] The user may adjust the properties of a comm phone, an end ofline (EOL) device, a module, a notification appliance, a power supply,or a relay device via an associated “Properties” page (FIGS. 30, 31, 32,33, 34 and 35). If the user knows the part number of the specific devicehe wants to use, he may choose the part number from a “Part no.”drop-down menu. Alternatively, the user may enter “Type,” “Category,”and/or “Description” variables to determine a desired part. The user mayalso click the “Cut sheet” button to open an Adobe Reader PDF file withthe manufacturer's specs. “Trim,” “Appliance,” Symbol,” “Element,” and“General” tabs of each “Properties” page control presentation andassociation aspects of the element. On the “Trim” tab, additionalmaterials, such as handsets or enclosures for a comm phone, can beincorporated into the element for stock listing or reports. The“Appliance” tab presents “Connection Data,” “Requirements,” and“Circuit” load in addition to “Network Circuit Data.” The user mayrefine the on-screen presentation of an element's appearance, location,rotation and scale via a “Symbol” tab. An “Element” tab displays theelement's Unique ID number and lists other elements to which it isjoined. On a “General” tab, the user may change an element's color,layer, line properties and rendered characteristics.

[0125] The user may adjust the properties of a “Grid of Appliances” viaanother properties page (FIG. 36). Under “Appliance Spacing,” the usermay set the offset spacing or check “Quarter Point Spacing.” If the userdoes not want a wire path to appear between appliances, the user mayun-check the “Run cable between Appliances” box. After establishingappliance and spacing parameters, the user may click “OK” and left-clickin the drawing field to place the insertion point, click again to setthe span of the grid, move the cursor to stretch a box to encompass thedesired area, and then left-click once more to place the grid ofappliances.

[0126] Similarly, the user may adjust the properties of a “Line ofAppliances” (FIG. 37). Under “Appliance Spacing” the user may set the“Maximum Spacing between Appliances” or check “Quarter Point Spacing.”Again, if the user does not want a wire path to appear betweenappliances, the user may un-check the “Run Cable between Appliances”box. Next, the user may click “OK”, left-click in the drawing field toset the origin point, move the cursor to stretch a line to the desiredlength, and then left-click again.

[0127] The user may adjust the properties of an “Initiator” device viayet another properties page (FIG. 38). The user may click the “Cutsheet” button to open an Adobe Reader PDF file with the manufacturer'sspecs. If the user knows the part number of the specific Initiator hewants to use, the user may choose it from the “Part no.” drop-down menu.Alternatively, the user may use the “Type,” “Category,” “Subcategory,”and “Description” variables to determine the desired part. Forinitiators that require a base, an “Appliance Base” dialogue may beaccessed via an ellipses button to the right of a listed default base.Again, the user may use either the specific “Part no.” of the desiredappliance base, or choose from the available “Types” and “Descriptions”options. For initiators that require a “Heat Detection Wire,” the usermay click a “Heat wire properties” button to open a “Heat Properties”page. Next, the user may alter the wire's path by inserting or deletingvertices listed in the window, and clicking the cable icon to access the“Cable Properties” page. “Trim,” “Appliance,” “Symbol,” “Element,” and“General” tabs of the “Initiator Properties” page controls presentationand association aspects of the element. On the “Trim” tab, additionalmaterials can be incorporated into the Initiator equipment for stocklisting or reports. The “Appliance” tab presents “Connection Data,”“Requirements,” and “Circuit” load in addition to “Network CircuitData.” The user may also refine the on-screen presentation of theInitiator marker's appearance, location, rotation and scale on the“Symbol” tab. The “Element” tab displays the Initiator's Unique IDnumber and lists other elements to which it is joined. On the “General”tab, the user may change an element's color, layer, line properties andrendered characteristics.

[0128] The user may also adjust the properties of an “Ohm Meter” via yetanother properties page (FIG. 39). On the “Ohm Meter Properties” page,the user can change the “Name,” “Check Point Location,” or “Meter” labellocation. Note that both “Check Point” and “Meter” label locations arerelative to the current position of the benchmark. The user may clickthe “Font” button to alter the appearance of the text on the “Meter”label. The meter's “Panel,” “Node,” and “Circuit” assignments are listedin addition to the electrical current and voltage drop “Readings.”

[0129] The user may also adjust the properties of a “Panel” via anotherproperties page (FIGS. 40 and 42). If the user knows the part number ofthe specific panel he wants to use, he may choose it from the “Part no.”drop-down menu. Alternatively, the user may use the “Type,” “Category,”and “Description” variables to determine the desired part. Under“Control Panel Modules,” the modules currently allocated to the controlpanel are listed. To include additional modules, the user may click “AddModule.” To view the properties of a selected module, the user may click“Properties/Circuit.” Clicking the “Delete” button removes a selectedmodule from the list. Clicking a “Perform battery calculations” buttoncompiles parts information and computes electrical current requirementsfor a given panel before equipping the cursor to place the data, inchart form, into the drawing. The user may also click a “Cut sheet”button to open an Adobe Reader PDF file with the manufacturer's specs.The user may access a “Control Panel Module” dialog (FIG. 41) byselecting “Add Module” on a “Panel Properties” page. On the “ControlPanel Module” dialog, a “Node Name” may be given. To modify the module,the user may choose from the options on the “Type” and “Description”drop-down menus. Individual circuits and their properties can beaccessed and altered by choosing from the list in the “Circuits” window.

[0130] “Trim,” “Appliance,” “Symbol,” “Element,” and “General” tabs ofthe “Panel” properties page control presentation and association aspectsof the element (FIG. 42). On the “Trim” tab, additional materials can beincorporated into the panel equipment for stock listing or reports. The“Appliance” tab presents connection data, requirements and circuit loadin addition to network circuit data. The user may refine the onscreenpresentation of the panel marker's appearance, location, rotation andscale via the “Symbol” tab. The “Element” tab displays the device uniqueID number and lists other to which it is joined. On the “General” tab,the user may change an element's color, layer, line properties andrendered characteristics.

[0131] The user may adjust the properties of a “Software Zone” via yetanother properties page (FIG. 43). On the “Properties” page, the usermay give a zone a name. By checking a “Display name” box, the user mayinclude the title in the visible drawing field, and by checking a“Display area” box the user may add the square footage to the drawingfield. A “Crosshatch” tab allows a crosshatch pattern to be added tofurther illustrate the selected zone. A “Boundary” tab gives vertexlocations relative to the current benchmark. An “Element” tab displaysthe Software Zone's Unique ID number and lists other elements to whichit is joined. On the “General” tab, the user may change an element'scolor, layer, line properties and rendered characteristics. Aftersetting the properties, the user may left-click in the drawing field toset the origin point of the boundary. Next, the user preferably clicksin strategic locations to define the shape of the Zone. When theboundary encompasses the desired items, the user may right-click to freethe cursor of the “Software Zone” tool.

[0132] Additional Alarm System Commands

[0133] In addition to the tools and reports described above, many othercommands are available to the user. To include something new in the“Parts Database,” the user may choose “Add New Item” from the “PartsDatabase” menu. The “Add New Item” command opens a submenu listing itemcategories. “Appliances,” “Modules,” “Power Supplies,” “ApplianceBases,” “Batteries,” “Cable,” “Panels,” “Panel Modules,” and other“Miscellaneous” items may be created with a customized set ofproperties. On the “Add New Item” submenu, the user may click thecategory that best fits the item he wants to include. As a result, a newitem dialog appears with multiple tabs specific to item categoryselected. The user may examine the settings in each available box,altering them as he moves through the tabs. With the correct propertiesspecified, the user may click “Save” to store the new item for futureuse or click “Close” to cancel the procedure and close the dialog.

[0134] To alter a previously created device in the “Parts Database,” theuser may choose “Modify Existing Item” from the “Parts Database” menu.On the “Modify Existing Item” submenu, the user may click the categorythat best fits the item he wants to include. Categories may be presentedin submenu listings such as “Appliances,” “Appliance Bases,”“Batteries,” “Cable,” “Panels,” etc. At this point, an existing itemdialog will appear with multiple tabs specific to the item categoryselected. The user may click the button at the bottom of the dialog andexamine the settings in each available box, altering them to his likingas he moves through the tabs. With the correct properties specified, theuser may click “Save” to store the alterations for future use or“Cancel” to abort the procedure and close the dialog.

[0135] To add a new product source, the user may enter a manufacturer'sname in a “Manufacturer” box, and a new brand name into a “Product Line”box (FIG. 44). Similarly, if the user wants to add a new brand toexisting manufacturer, the user may select a manufacturer from the“Manufacturer” drop-down and then enter the title of the new line in theappropriate box. If a page description file (PDF) is available onlinefor the new manufacturer or product line, the website address may beentered in the “Cut Sheet Path” box.

[0136] The “Amend Item Costs” command offers quick access to the “Cost,”“Shop Labor,” and “Field Labor” properties of a specified “PartsDatabase” devices. The first step in modifying an expense figure of anitem is finding the item in the “Amend Item Costs” dialog (FIG. 45). Theuser may click any of the column headers to reorganize the data in analphabetical or numeric order, either first to last or last to firstdepending on the direction of the arrow in the column header. If simplereorganization is not enough, the user may use the “Define filter”button to bring up only items that fit specified manufacturer, productline, catalog or description parameters. To return to the complete“Parts Database,” the user may click “Remove Filters.” Once the userlocates the device he wants to change, the user may double-click a “ShopLabor” or “Field Labor” column, make the appropriate modifications, andclick “Save” to record the alterations. Alternatively, the user mayclick “Close” to cancel the procedure and return to the drawing field.

[0137] The user may view potential lines for a device to supply via a“Circuit Data” tab (FIG. 46). Specifically, the user may select circuitsfor an appliance by checking the appropriate boxes in the “Circuit Type”column. The “Item Data” tab on both the “Add New Appliance” and “ModifyExisting Appliance” dialogs for all devices contains “Manufacturer,”“Product Line,” “Category,” and “Description” options (FIG. 47). Inaddition, the “Item Detail” tab contains “Model,” “Parts Number,” “BaseCost,” “Lab or Hours,” and “Approval” options. To alter anycharacteristics on the “Item Data” tab, the user may select theavailable options in each drop-down. The “Category” chosen hasparticular influence over the availability of other characteristics.

[0138] The “Item Base” tab on both the “Add New Appliance Base” and“Modify Existing Appliance Base” dialogs contains current settings,notification properties and circuit options (FIG. 48). To alter anycharacteristics presented on the “Item Base” tab, the user may selectfrom the available options in each drop-down. Once the settings areselected, the user may click “Save” to store a new item or thealterations to an existing item for future use.

[0139] The “Item Battery” tab on both the “New Battery” and “ModifyExisting Battery” dialogs contains a “Discharge Rate” box (FIG. 49). Toalter any characteristics presented on the “Item Battery” tab, the usermay select from the available options in the “Discharge Rate” box. Oncethe settings are selected, the user may click “Save” to store a new itemor the alterations to an existing item for future use.

[0140] The “Item Cable” tab on both the “Add New Cable” and “ModifyExisting Cable” dialogs contains “Resistance,” “Capacitance,” and“Nominal OD” options (FIG. 50). To alter any characteristics presentedon the “Item Cable” tab, the user may select the available options ineach box. Once the settings are selected, the user may click “Save” tostore a new item or the alterations to an existing item for future use.

[0141] The “Item Panel” tab on both the “Add New Panel” and “ModifyExisting Panel” dialogs contains current settings, symbol properties andpanel module options (FIG. 51). To alter any characteristics presentedon the “Item Panel” tab, the user may select from the available optionsin each drop-down. Once the settings are selected, the user may proceedto the “Panel Module List” tab or click to abort the procedure.

[0142] The “Panel Module” tab on both the “Add New Panel Module” and“Modify Existing Panel Module” dialogs contains voltage and currentsettings in addition to space requirements (FIG. 52). After makingadjustments on the “Item Data” and “Item Detail” tabs, the user may moveon to “Item Panel Module.” To alter any characteristics presented on the“Item Panel Module” tab, the user may select from the available optionsin each drop-down. Once the settings are selected, the user may move onto “Panel Compatibility” tab or click “Close/Cancel” to abort theprocedure.

[0143] An “Add New Trim Kit” command and a “Modify Existing Trim Kit”command allow the user to alter peripheral assignments for specificelements. For example, a “Fire Alarm Control” panel comes with a “PanelCore Assembly” that includes a “Power Supply” and a “Sub-plateAssembly.” The user may wish to add or remove one or more of thoseitems. Both an “Add New Parts” and an “Edit parts” buttons open a “TrimKit Detail” dialog (FIG. 53). The user may specify the item(s) he wantsto include in the trim kit using the drop-down menus. On a “Trim JobTypes” tab, the user may select any combination of the classificationslisted. A “Restore list” button reestablishes the default settings and a“Select All” button highlights all classifications. The job type orcombination job types determine the number in a “Job Type” box.

[0144] A “Trim Item Link” tab lets the user restrict the association oftrim kit to specific items. The “Add new association” button opens the“Trim Item Association” dialog where the user may select characteristicsof the item to which the trim kit will be associated from the availabledrop-downs. The chosen item(s) appear in an “Associated Parts” window,and additional items may be added by repeating the process. Entereditems may be modified by selecting them in the window and clicking the“Edit association” button. To remove an item from the list of associatedparts, the user may select it in the window and click “DeleteAssociation.” To change the properties of an existing Trim Kit, the usermay click the “Modify” button and customize the settings on the “ItemData” and “Item Detail” tabs before proceeding to “Trim Kit Detail.” Onthe “Trim Kit Detail” tab, the components of the kit appear in the“Materials Listing” window. New parts can be added to the list with the“Add new parts” button, and parts selected in the “Materials Listing”window can be customized with the “Parts” button.

[0145] A “Panel Compatibility” tab provides a list of available controlpanels. By “Model,” “Size,” and “Part Number” (FIG. 54) To establish amodule as acceptable for a particular panel, the user may check the boxcorresponding to the appropriate row. To set a module compatible withall of the panels listed, the user may click the “Select all” buttonbelow the window, or eliminate compatibility with all selected panels byclicking the “Select none” button. With only the panels the user wantsto establish as compatible for the module checked, the user may proceedto the “Circuit Data” tab or abort the procedure.

[0146] In a window on the “Panel Module List” tab, the user may checkthe modules he wants to include in new panel he is adding to the “PartsDatabase” (FIG. 55). If the user needs more than one of a given panel,the user may click on the listed quantity and key in the number desired.The user may add modules to the list via the “Add New Panel Module”dialog.

[0147] A “Required Circuits” tab may be used to designate circuit linesthat must be in place for a device to operate (FIG. 56). The user mayinclude lines needed by a device in the “List” window by clicking an“Add circuit” button. On a “Connection Information” dialog, the user maychoose the circuit type, electrical current and voltage properties, aswell as the electrical lines the user wants to add from the availabledrop-down menus. Subsequently, the user may click “OK” to place the newinformation in the “List” window or the user may click “Cancel” to closethe window. In addition, the user may use a slide bar at the base of thewindow on the “Required Circuits” tab to examine columns of circuitcharacteristics not currently visible. Once a circuit line is added tothe list, the user may click on its row to select it and then click“Edit selected circuit” to make changes to the circuit or click “Deleteselected circuit” to remove the circuit from the list.

[0148] A “Select by Circuit Assignment” command readies all elementsthat share a single circuit path to participate in an action to follow.From the “Select” menu, the user may choose “Select by CircuitAssignment,” and then on a “Panel/Node Circuit Selection” dialog, theuser may choose the desired panel, node and circuit (FIG. 57). Inaddition, under “Current Selection,” the user may check an “Include WirePaths” checkbox to add a cable linking the appliances along a specifiedpath. In addition the user may check an “Include Module Circuits”checkbox to add devices running from a particular module to theselection. The user may also click a “Highlight Selection” button to seewhich items will be selected under the parameters currently established.An “Unhighlight” button cancels the selection parameters.

[0149] To ready a specific element for a subsequent action, the user maychoose “Select by ID . . . ” from a “Select” menu. The user may thenenter the elements “Unique ID” number on the “Select by ID” dialog andhit the “OK” button (FIG. 58). The “Unique ID” number of any element isdisplayed on the “Element” tab of that element's “Properties” page (FIG.58).

[0150] Alarm System Auto-Wiring Process

[0151] A flowchart of a process 5900 for generating a data structureindicative of an alarm system circuit is illustrated in FIG. 59.Preferably, the process 5900 is embodied in a software program which isstored in the program store 36 and executed by the controller 44 in awell known manner. However, some or all of the steps of the process 5900may be performed manually and/or by another device. Although the process5900 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG.59, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate thatmany other methods of performing the acts associated with process 5900may be used. For example, the order of many of the steps may be changed.In addition, many of the steps described are optional.

[0152] Generally, the process 5900 causes the controller 44 to receiveuser inputs indicative of the placement of alarm sources and alarmappliances. For example, a user of a computer aided design (CAD) systemmay graphically place fire alarm icons, such as smoke detectors andsirens, on a drawing area. After one or more of the sources orappliances are placed, the controller 44 may automatically determine aseries of electrical circuit connections between the alarm sources andthe alarm appliances. Preferably, this determination is based on circuittype compatibility as well as a number of connected segments between aparticular alarm source and a particular alarm appliance. A “connectedsegment” is a single wirepath between any two alarm elements.

[0153] The process 5900 begins when the controller 44 receives an inputfrom a user indicative of an alarm source placement (block 5902) or analarm appliance placement (block 5904). Alarm sources may include powersupplies, circuit panels, addressable signaling lines, bus signalinglines, notification circuits, and other types of circuits and electricalconnection lines. Alarm appliances may include notification devices,such as sirens, lights, displays, and prerecorded announcements. Inaddition, alarm appliances may include initiator devices, such as smokedetectors, heat detectors, and carbon-dioxide (CO2) detectors. Stillfurther, alarm appliances may include other devices, such as relays andcommunications (comm) phones.

[0154] The user may generate inputs indicative of alarm source placementand/or an alarm appliance placement by “dragging and dropping” an iconfrom a toolbar area of a command region 54 to a drawing area 52.Preferably, each type of alarm source and each type of alarm applianceis associated with a different icon which visually indicates theparticular type of alarm source or appliance being placed. After eachicon is placed in the drawing area 52, the process 5900 causes thecontroller 44 to update a data structure stored in the database 16(block 5906). The data structure memorializes the alarm system. Forexample, each alarm source may be associated with one or more circuittypes, such as an addressable signaling circuit. Similarly, each alarmappliance may be associated with one or more circuit types, such as anaddressable signaling circuit. Preferably, this circuit type informationis stored in the data structure along with the other informationindicative of the alarm system.

[0155] After one or more alarm sources and/or alarm appliances areplaced in the drawing, the controller 44 checks if “auto-wiring” isenabled by testing a memory location for a predefined value (block5908). Preferably, auto-wiring is enabled in response to a user checkinga check box in a dialog box and/or issuing a command as described indetail above. If auto-wiring is not enabled, the controller 44 againchecks for an input from a user indicative of an alarm source placement(block 5902) or an alarm appliance placement (block 5904).

[0156] If auto-wiring is enabled, the controller 44 selects the firstalarm appliance in a list of alarm appliances generated from (orgenerated in conjunction with) the data structure which represents thecurrent alarm system (block 5910). Next, the controller 44 determines alist of alarm sources in the data structure which are compatible withthe selected alarm appliance (block 5912). For example, if the selectedalarm appliance is an addressable smoke detector, each circuit panelwith an available smoke detector circuit (e.g., an addressable signalingcircuit) is included in the list of compatible alarm sources.

[0157] Next, a particular alarm source is selected from the list ofcompatible alarm sources (block 5914). Preferably, the alarm sourcewhich is the fewest number of connected segments away from the currentappliance is selected from the list of compatible alarm sources. A“connected segment” is a single wirepath between any two alarm elements.Subsequently, the controller 44 generates data indicative of anelectrical connection between the selected alarm source and the currentalarm appliance (block 5916) and stores the generated data in the alarmsystem data structure located in the database 16 (block 5918).

[0158] If additional alarm appliances require auto-wiring (block 5920),the controller 44 selects the next alarm appliance from the list ofalarm appliances (block 5910). If no additional alarm appliances requireauto-wiring (block 5920), the controller 44 again checks for an inputfrom a user indicative of an alarm source placement (block 5902) or analarm appliance placement (block 5904).

[0159] Physical Path and Wiring Path Determination Process

[0160] A flowchart of a process 6000 for generating a data structureindicative of an alarm system circuit is illustrated in FIG. 60.Preferably, the process 6000 is embodied in a software program which isstored in the program store 36 and executed by the controller 44 in awell known manner. However, some or all of the steps of the process 6000may be performed manually and/or by another device. Although the process6000 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG.60, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate thatmany other methods of performing the acts associated with process 6000may be used. For example, the order of many of the steps may be changed.In addition, many of the steps described are optional.

[0161] Generally, the process 6000 causes the controller 44 to receiveuser inputs indicative of the placement of alarm sources and alarmappliances. For example, a user of a computer aided design (CAD) systemmay graphically place fire alarm icons, such as smoke detectors andsirens, on a drawing area. After one or more of the sources orappliances are placed and physical paths are determined (e.g., conduitplacement), the disclosed methods and apparatus determine a series ofelectrical circuit connections between alarm source elements and alarmappliance elements. The electrical circuit connections define wiregauges and lengths passing through the physical paths. The wire typesmay be determined by predefined rules, and multiple wires may be placedin a single physical path.

[0162] The process 6000 begins when the controller 44 receives aplurality of computer aided design (CAD) inputs from a user (block6002). The CAD inputs are indicative of fire alarm module placement asdescribed in detail above. For example, the CAD inputs may includedrag-and-drop graphical placement of alarm circuits, smoke detectors,sirens, etc. Preferably, the module placement includes informationassociated with the physical locations of the fire alarm modules. Forexample, a series of smoke detectors may be placed in the CAD drawing ina way that indicates the smoke detectors are twenty feet apart. Inresponse, the controller 44 draws graphical representations of the firealarm modules in the CAD drawing area 52 (block 6004). In one example,the graphical representations of the fire alarm modules are draw toscale to reflect the physical proximity of the modules.

[0163] Subsequently, the controller 44 receives CAD inputs from the userindicative of a physical path between two or more of the fire alarmmodules (block 6006). For example, the user may select a drawing toolindicative of a size and/or type of conduit typically used to routeelectrical wires and then drag a line indicative of the conduit betweentwo smoke detectors.

[0164] Alternatively, the controller 44 may automatically generate dataindicative of a physical path between two or more fire alarm modules(block 6008). Such an automatic generation of a physical path may bebased on one or more predefined rules. For example, the controller 44may lookup a rule in a table that indicates the size and type of conduitto be used between two modules of a certain type in order to meet abuilding code and/or other design criteria. The rules may take intoaccount such factors as the type of modules (e.g., smoke detectors); thesub-type of modules (e.g., brand XYZ and model 123); the distancebetween modules; the type of building, the number of other modules inthe area, the number of electrical wires, the gauge of the electricalwires, wire placement, etc.

[0165] Regardless of the way the physical paths are generated (i.e.,manually, automatically, or both), the controller 44 may receive CADinputs from the user indicative of an electrical path between two ormore fire alarm modules (block 6010). Preferably, one or more electricalpaths coincide with at least one physical path (e.g., the electricalpath(s) pass through the physical path). For example, the user mayselect a drawing tool indicative of a size and/or type of electricalwire and then drag a line indicative of the wire between two smokedetectors which were previously (or will be subsequently) connected by aline representing conduit. The electrical wire is used to routeelectrical power, control signals, and/or status signals associated withone or more fire alarm modules.

[0166] Alternatively, the controller 44 may automatically generate dataindicative of an electrical path between two or more fire alarm modules(block 6012). Again, one or more electrical paths preferably coincidewith (e.g., “pass through”) at least one physical path. Such anautomatic generation of an electrical path may be based on one or morepredefined rules. For example, the controller 44 may lookup a rule in atable that indicates the size and type of electrical wire to be usedbetween two modules of a certain type in order to meet a building codeand/or other design criteria. The rules may take into account suchfactors as the type of modules (e.g., smoke detectors); the sub-type ofmodules (e.g., brand XYZ and model 123); the distance between modules;the type of building, the number of other modules in the area, thenumber of electrical wires, the gauge of the electrical wires, conduitplacement, etc.

[0167] After two or more fire alarm modules are placed in the drawingarea 52 and connected by both physical paths (e.g., conduit) andelectrical paths (e.g., wires), the controller 44 causes data indicativeof the alarm system to be stored in the CAD database (block 6014). Forexample, the CAD database preferably includes data indicative of thealarm modules, the physical paths, and the electrical paths.

[0168] Scaled and Non-Scaled Electrical Connections

[0169] Once two or more modules are connected by electrical paths,electrical calculations associated with the alarm system may beperformed. A flowchart of an example process 6100 for calculating anelectrical parameter associated with an alarm system which includes bothscaled and non-scaled electrical connections between alarm appliances isillustrated in FIG. 61. Preferably, the process 6100 is embodied in asoftware program which is stored in the program store 36 and executed bythe controller 44 in a well known manner. However, some or all of thesteps of the process 6100 may be performed manually and/or by anotherdevice. Although the process 6100 is described with reference to theflowchart illustrated in FIG. 61, a person of ordinary skill in the artwill readily appreciate that many other methods of performing the actsassociated with process 6100 may be used. For example, the order of manyof the steps may be changed. In addition, many of the steps describedare optional.

[0170] Generally, the process 6100 facilitates user placement of aplurality of alarm appliances in a CAD drawing area. Each alarmappliances is connected to other alarm appliances by a line indicativeof a scaled or a non-scaled electrical connection. Non-scaled electricalconnections are associated with a numeric value indicative of wirelength. Scaled electrical connections are associated with a drawingdistance and a scale. As a result, electrical calculations associatedwith the alarm system that require the lengths of wires are performedcorrectly even though a portion of the drawing is to scale and a portionof the drawing is not to scale.

[0171] The process 6100 begins when a user places a plurality of iconsrepresenting alarm appliances into the drawing area 52 (block 6102). Ascreenshot of an example alarm system is illustrated in FIG. 62.Typically, the user places alarm appliances into the drawing area 52 by“dragging and dropping” the appliances from an adjacent and/or floatingpallet of appliances. For example, the user may drag a first iconrepresenting a smoke detector into the drawing area, followed by asecond smoke detector (icon), a third smoke detector, etc.Alternatively, the user may select an alarm appliance already placed inthe drawing area 52 and issue a command to duplicate the existingappliance. In addition, the user may select an alarm appliance from atext list and press a virtual button to place one or more alarmappliances in the drawing area 52.

[0172] A screenshot of an example alarm system is illustrated in FIG.62. In the example illustrated, a first alarm appliance 6202 and asecond alarm appliance 6204 are connected by a first wire 6206.Similarly, the second alarm appliance 6204 and a third alarm appliance6208 are connected by a second wire 6210. Similarly, the third alarmappliance 6208 and a fourth alarm appliance 6212 are connected by athird wire 6214. Of course any type and/or number of alarm componentsmay be used.

[0173] Each pair of alarm appliances in the drawing area 52 areseparated from each other by a distance (e.g., two inches). This“drawing” distance may be specified by the user by where he/she placesand/or drags the alarm appliance icons in the drawing area.Alternatively, the user may specify the drawing distance by entering avalue in a text box. In addition, the user may command the CAD system todistribute a plurality of alarm appliances within a predefined drawingarea. Similarly, the user may command the CAD system to align one ormore alarm appliances with other appliances, a reference line, a gridsystem, etc. In one application, the alarm appliances are placed into anexisting drawing of a building. For example, the user may place a smokedetector into each room of a hotel blueprint. In such an instance, thedistances between the alarm appliances in the drawing are likely inproportion to the distances between the alarm appliances when they arephysically installed (i.e., the drawing distances are “scaled” relativeto the physical distances).

[0174] Once two or more alarm appliances are placed in the drawing area,the user may connect the appliances with lines representing electricalwires and/or conduit through which the electrical wires may be run (FIG.61, block 6104). Connecting the alarm appliances may be doneautomatically and/or by hand. Typically, to connect alarm appliances,the user selects a wiring tool, clicks on a first alarm appliance, anddrags a line to a second alarm appliance.

[0175] Data associated with the connection is then stored in a databasethat represents the alarm system (block 6106). For example, dataindicative of the length of each line is stored in the database. Dataindicative of the length of each line may include the drawing distanceof the line, the physical distance of the wire represented by the line,coordinates of the two appliances connected by the line, and/or anyother data indicative of the length of each line. The data stored in thedatabase also includes default values. For example, data indicating ifthe wire is “scaled” or “not scaled” is stored in the database.

[0176] The user may over-ride one or more default settings (block 6108).For example, the user may change one or more wires from being “scaled”to being “not scaled” and/or vice-versa. A screenshot of an exampledialog box used to indicate if an electrical connection is a scaled or anon-scaled electrical connection is illustrated in FIG. 63. In thisexample, the user has checked an “over-ride” check box 6302 to indicatethat the associated wire is a non-scaled wire. Similarly, the user mayadjust the drawing scale. For example, the user may specify that oneinch in the drawing represents ten feet in physical distance or anyother scale. A screenshot of an example dialog box used to enter adrawing scale is illustrated in FIG. 64. In this example, {fraction(1/16)}″ in the drawing area 52 is set equal to one foot in the physicalworld by selecting these values from drop down list boxes 6402.

[0177] The physical length represented by “scaled” wires is proportionalto the length of the wire in the drawing. The physical lengthrepresented by wires that are “not scaled” is not proportional to thelength of the wire in the drawing. Instead, the user enters numericvalues to indicate lengths for non-scaled wires (FIG. 61, block 6110).For example, if the drawing scale is set to 1 inch=5 feet and most wiresin the drawing are less than 25 feet (e.g., within a hotel room), thenmost of the drawing can be to scale. However, if some of the wires inthe drawing need to much longer (e.g., 500 feet), the user may drawshorter non-scaled lines and enter numeric values to indicate theassociated lengths. A screenshot of an example dialog box used to entera numeric value for a non-scaled electrical connection is illustrated inFIG. 63. In this example, the user entered 100 feet as the length of theassociated wire into a text input box 6304.

[0178] In the example illustrated in FIG. 62, wire 6206 and wire 6210are scaled wires. The graphical line for wire 6206 is one inch long, andthe scale for the drawing is set to 1 inch=5 feet. Therefore, wire 6206is 5 feet long. Similarly, the graphical line for wire 6210 is twoinches long. Therefore, wire 6210 is 10 feet long. As a result, wire6210 has twice as much resistance as wire 6206. Wire 6214 is anon-scaled wire. Although the graphical line for wire 6214 is one inchlong, the length of wire represented by the line is 100 feet, becausewire 6214 is a non-scaled wire with a value of 100 feet. Accordingly,wire 6214 has ten times as much resistance as wire 6210, even thoughwire 6214 is shorter in the drawing than wire 6210.

[0179] In this manner, electrical calculations associated with the alarmsystem that require the lengths of wires are performed correctly eventhough a portion of the drawing is to scale and a portion of the drawingis not to scale. For example, to calculate the resistance of anelectrical wire, the length of the wire is used. To calculate theresistance of non-scaled wires, the numbers entered by the user are usedfor the wire lengths (FIG. 61, block 6112). However, to calculate theresistance of scaled wires, the length of each wire in CAD drawing area52 and the scale setting is used to determine the wire lengths (block6114). Additional calculations that are based on the resistance of thewires may then be made. For example, the current drain of the system maybe calculated. Screenshots of an example outputs associated withelectrical calculations are illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 22.

[0180] Calculating Current Drain in Supervisory and Alarm Modes

[0181] A flowchart of an example process 6500 for calculating currentdrains associated with an alarm system in both supervisory and alarmmodes is illustrated in FIG. 65. Preferably, the process 6500 isembodied in a software program which is stored in the program store 36and executed by the controller 44 in a well known manner. However, someor all of the steps of the process 6500 may be performed manually and/orby another device. Although the process 6500 is described with referenceto the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 65, a person of ordinary skill inthe art will readily appreciate that many other methods of performingthe acts associated with process 6500 may be used. For example, theorder of many of the steps may be changed. In addition, many of thesteps described are optional.

[0182] Generally, the process 6500 facilitates user placement of aplurality of alarm appliances in a CAD drawing area. Each alarmappliance is connected to other alarm appliances by a line indicative ofan electrical connection. In addition, each alarm appliance isassociated with a supervisory mode current and an alarm mode current.

[0183] As previously described, this process 6500 also begins when auser places a plurality of icons representing alarm appliances into thedrawing area 52 (block 6502). As discussed above, the user typicallyplaces alarm appliances into the drawing area 52 by “dragging anddropping” the appliances from an adjacent and/or floating pallet ofappliances. For example, the user may drag a first icon representing asmoke detector into the drawing area, followed by a second iconrepresenting an alarm siren, etc.

[0184] Once two or more alarm appliances are placed in the drawing area,the user may connect the appliances with lines representing electricalwires and/or conduit through which the electrical wires may be run(block 6504). Connecting the alarm appliances may be done automaticallyand/or by hand. Typically, to connect alarm appliances, the user selectsa wiring tool, clicks on a first alarm appliance, and drags a line to asecond alarm appliance.

[0185] Data associated with the appliances and connections are thenstored in a database that represents the alarm system (block 6506). Forexample, data indicative of a supervisory mode current drain and analarm mode current drain for each appliance are stored in the database.A screenshot of an example dialog box used to enter a current drain foreach of a supervisory mode 6602 and an alarm mode 6604 is illustrated inFIG. 66. Each supervisory mode current drain represents the amount ofelectrical current the appliance draws when the alarm system is instand-by mode attempting to detect an alarm condition. For example, inthis mode, bells are not ringing. Each alarm mode current drainrepresents the amount of electrical current the appliance draws when analarm is sounded. For example, in this mode, bells are ringing.

[0186] Typically, alarm appliances require more electrical current inalarm mode than in supervisory mode. However, some alarm appliances,such as certain types of detectors, require more electrical current insupervisory mode than in alarm mode. Each current drain for each alarmappliance may be determined by default, or the user may over-ride one ormore of the default values (block 6508). In the example illustrated inFIG. 66, a default value of 0.30 mA is replaced by a user over-ridevalue of 0.35 mA for the supervisory mode 6602. Similarly, a defaultvalue of 0.30 mA is replaced by a user over-ride value of 1.00 mA forthe alarm mode 6604.

[0187] Subsequently, electrical calculations associated with the alarmsystem that require appliance current drains may be performed. Inaddition, these calculations may be based on both the alarm mode currentdrain and the supervisory mode current drain for each appliance. In oneexample, the supervisory mode current drain is used for each appliance.In another example, the alarm mode current drain is used for eachappliance. In yet another example, the larger of the two current drainsis used in a worst case calculation. In one example, the supervisorymode current is automatically selected by the CAD system if the alarmappliance is a signaling line circuit or an initiating device circuit.Screenshots of example outputs associated with calculating currentdrains in both a supervisory mode and an alarm mode are illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 22.

[0188] Calculating Backup Battery Capacity

[0189] A flowchart of an example process 6700 for calculating a backupbattery capacity requirement for an alarm system is illustrated in FIG.67. Preferably, the process 6700 is embodied in a software program whichis stored in the program store 36 and executed by the controller 44 in awell known manner. However, some or all of the steps of the process 6700may be performed manually and/or by another device. Although the process6700 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG.67, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate thatmany other methods of performing the acts associated with process 6700may be used. For example, the order of many of the steps may be changed.In addition, many of the steps described are optional.

[0190] Generally, the process 6700 calculates the backup batterycapacity requirement according to the following equation, whereSupervisoryCurrents are the supervisory mode current drains;SupervisoryTime is a supervisory mode time constant; AlarmCurrents arethe alarm mode current drains; AlarmTime is an alarm mode time constant;and Margin is percentage adder to include a margin of error in thebackup battery calculation. $\begin{Bmatrix}{\left\lbrack {\left( {\sum{SupervisoryCurrents}} \right) \times {SupervisoryTime}} \right\rbrack +} \\\left\lbrack {\left( {\sum{AlarmCurrents}} \right) \times {AlarmTime}} \right\rbrack\end{Bmatrix} \times {Margin}$

[0191] The process 6700 begins when the CAD system receives user inputsspecifying alarm appliances and electrical connections between the alarmappliances as described in detail above (block 6702). In addition, theCAD system receives supervisory mode current drains and alarm modecurrent drains for each of the appliances (block 6704). The supervisorymode current drains and the alarm mode current drains may be defaultvalues associated with a particular appliance data structure.Alternatively, one or more of the supervisory mode current drains and/orthe alarm mode current drains may be a numeric value entered by a user.An example of a dialog box used to enter a supervisory mode currentdrain and/or an alarm mode current drain for an appliance is illustratedin FIG. 66.

[0192] The supervisory mode current drains for a particular alarmcircuit are then added together to create a total supervisory modecurrent drain for the circuit (block 6706). Similarly, the alarm modecurrent drains for the alarm circuit are added together to create atotal alarm mode current drain for the circuit (block 6708). Inaddition, the total supervisory mode current drain for the circuit ismultiplied by a supervisory mode time constant to create a supervisorymode capacity (block 6710). The supervisory mode time constantrepresents a time period over which the alarm system must operate insupervisory mode and may be a number representing any time period.Preferably, the supervisory mode time constant is approximatelytwenty-four hours. As an example, if the total supervisory mode currentdrain is determined to be 100 mA, and the supervisory mode time constantis twenty-four hours, then the supervisory mode capacity is determinedto be 2400 mAH (i.e., 100 mA * 24 Hours=2400 mAH).

[0193] Similarly, the total alarm mode current drain for the circuit ismultiplied by an alarm mode time constant to create an alarm modecapacity (block 6712). The alarm mode time constant represents a timeperiod over which the alarm system must operate in alarm mode and may bea number representing any time period. Preferably, the alarm mode timeconstant is approximately five minutes. As an example, if the totalalarm mode current drain is determined to be 10 A (i.e., 10,000 mA), andthe alarm mode time constant is five minutes (i.e., 0.8333 hours), thenthe alarm mode capacity is determined to be 8333 mAH (i.e., 10,000mA*0.8333 hours=8333 mAH).

[0194] Although the alarm system typically only operates in one mode ata time (e.g., only in supervisory mode until an alarm condition isdetected and then only in alarm mode), the process 6700 adds thesupervisory mode capacity and the alarm mode capacity to determine acombined capacity for operation over both time periods (block 6714). Thecombined capacity is then multiplied by a margin constant to produce thetotal backup battery capacity requirement for the alarm system (block6716). For example, the combined capacity may be multiplied by 1.2 toinclude a 20% margin of error. Of course any margin constant may beused.

[0195] In summary, persons of ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate that methods and apparatus for generating a data structureindicative of an alarm system have been provided. The foregoingdescription has been presented for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scopeof this patent to the examples disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intendedthat the scope of this patent be defined by the claims appended heretoas reasonably interpreted literally and under the doctrine ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of calculating an electrical parameterassociated with an alarm system, the method comprising: receiving firstuser inputs at a computer aided drawing system, the first user inputsbeing indicative of graphical placement in a drawing area of a firstalarm appliance, a second alarm appliance, and a third alarm appliance,the first alarm appliance and the second alarm appliance being separatedin the drawing area by a first distance; receiving second user inputs atthe computer aided drawing system, the second user inputs beingindicative of a first electrical connection between the first alarmappliance and the second alarm appliance, the second user inputs beingindicative of a second electrical connection between the second alarmappliance and the third alarm appliance; storing first data indicatingthat the first electrical connection is to be treated as a first scaledwire during an electrical calculation; storing second data indicatingthat the second electrical connection is to be treated as a non-scaledwire during the electrical calculation; receiving a numeric user inputindicative of a wire length associated with the second electricalconnection; determining a first electrical resistance associated withthe first electrical connection based on the first distance; anddetermining a second electrical resistance associated with the secondelectrical connection based on the numeric user input indicative of thewire length.
 2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein: the first userinputs are further indicative of graphical placement in the drawing areaof a fourth alarm appliance, the fourth alarm appliance and the firstalarm appliance being separated in the drawing area by a seconddistance; the second user inputs are further indicative of a thirdelectrical connection between the fourth alarm appliance and the firstalarm appliance; the method further comprising storing third dataindicating that the third electrical connection is to be treated as asecond scaled wire during the electrical calculation; and determining athird electrical resistance associated with the third electricalconnection based on the second distance.
 3. A method as defined in claim2, wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance andthe first electrical resistance is less than the third electricalresistance because the first distance is shorter than the seconddistance.
 4. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the second alarmappliance and the third alarm appliance are separated in the drawingarea by a second distance and determining the second electricalresistance is not based on the second distance.
 5. A method as definedin claim 4, wherein the first distance is longer than the seconddistance and the first electrical resistance is less than the secondelectrical resistance.
 6. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein thesecond user inputs comprise graphical placement of a line indicative ofan electrical wire.
 7. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein thesecond user inputs comprise graphical placement of a line indicative ofa conduit.
 8. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprisingreceiving a third user input indicating that the first electricalconnection is to be treated as the first scaled wire during theelectrical calculation.
 9. A method as defined in claim 8, whereinreceiving the third user input comprises detection of a first stateassociated with a first graphical user interface check box.
 10. A methodas defined in claim 9, further comprising receiving a fourth user inputindicating that the second electrical connection is to be treated as thenon-scaled wire during the electrical calculation.
 11. A method asdefined in claim 10, wherein receiving the fourth user input comprisesdetection of a second state associated with a second graphical userinterface check box, the second state being different than the firststate.
 12. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the first alarmappliance comprises one of a fire alarm siren, a fire alarm bell, asmoke detector, and a carbon-dioxide detector.
 13. A method as definedin claim 1, wherein determining the first electrical resistanceassociated with the first electrical connection based on the firstdistance comprises receiving a third user input indicative of a scale.14. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising determining afirst current drain associated with the alarm system in a supervisorymode and a second current drain associated with the alarm system in analarm mode.
 15. An apparatus for calculating an electrical parameterassociated with an alarm system, the apparatus comprising: a processor;a storage device coupled to the processor; a user input device coupledto the processor; and a user output device coupled to the processor; theprocessor receiving first user inputs from the user input deviceindicative of graphical placement displayed on the user output device ofa first alarm appliance, a second alarm appliance, and a third alarmappliance, the first alarm appliance and the second alarm appliancebeing separated by a first distance; the processor receiving second userinputs from the user input device indicative of a first electricalconnection between the first alarm appliance and the second alarmappliance, the second user inputs being indicative of a secondelectrical connection between the second alarm appliance and the thirdalarm appliance; the processor storing first data on the storage deviceindicating that the first electrical connection is to be treated as afirst scaled wire during an electrical calculation; the processorstoring second data on the storage device indicating that the secondelectrical connection is to be treated as a non-scaled wire during theelectrical calculation; the processor receiving a numeric user inputfrom the user input device indicative of a wire length associated withthe second electrical connection; the processor determining a firstelectrical resistance associated with the first electrical connectionbased on the first distance; and the processor determining a secondelectrical resistance associated with the second electrical connectionbased on the numeric user input indicative of the wire length.
 16. Anapparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein: the first user inputs arefurther indicative of graphical placement of a fourth alarm appliance,the fourth alarm appliance and the first alarm appliance being separatedby a second distance; the second user inputs are further indicative of athird electrical connection between the fourth alarm appliance and thefirst alarm appliance; the processor stores third data on the storagedevice indicating that the third electrical connection is to be treatedas a second scaled wire during the electrical calculation; and theprocessor determines a third electrical resistance associated with thethird electrical connection based on the second distance, the firstdistance being shorter than the second distance and the first electricalresistance being determined to be less than the third electricalresistance because the first distance is shorter than the seconddistance.
 17. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein: the secondalarm appliance and the third alarm appliance are separated on theoutput device by a second distance; determining the second electricalresistance is not based on the second distance; the first distance islonger than the second distance; and the first electrical resistance isless than the second electrical resistance.
 18. An apparatus as definedin claim 15, wherein the second user inputs comprise graphical placementof a line indicative of at least one of an electrical wire and aconduit.
 19. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein the firstalarm appliance comprises one of a smoke detector and a carbon-dioxidedetector.
 20. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein determiningthe first electrical resistance associated with the first electricalconnection based on the first distance comprises receiving a third userinput indicative of a scale.
 21. An apparatus as defined in claim 15,wherein the processor further determines a first current drainassociated with the alarm system in a supervisory mode and a secondcurrent drain associated with the alarm system in an alarm mode.
 22. Amachine readable medium storing instructions structured to cause amachine to: receive first user inputs at a computer aided drawingsystem, the first user inputs being indicative of graphical placement ina drawing area of a first alarm appliance, a second alarm appliance, anda third alarm appliance, the first alarm appliance and the second alarmappliance being separated in the drawing area by a first distance;receive second user inputs at the computer aided drawing system, thesecond user inputs being indicative of a first electrical connectionbetween the first alarm appliance and the second alarm appliance, thesecond user inputs being indicative of a second electrical connectionbetween the second alarm appliance and the third alarm appliance; storefirst data indicating that the first electrical connection is to betreated as a first scaled wire during an electrical calculation; storesecond data indicating that the second electrical connection is to betreated as a non-scaled wire during the electrical calculation; receivea numeric user input indicative of a wire length associated with thesecond electrical connection; determine a first electrical resistanceassociated with the first electrical connection based on the firstdistance; and determine a second electrical resistance associated withthe second electrical connection based on the numeric user inputindicative of the wire length.
 23. A machine readable medium as definedin claim 22, wherein: the first user inputs are further indicative ofgraphical placement in the drawing area of a fourth alarm appliance, thefourth alarm appliance and the first alarm appliance being separated inthe drawing area by a second distance; the second user inputs arefurther indicative of a third electrical connection between the fourthalarm appliance and the first alarm appliance; the instructions beingfurther structured to cause the machine to: store third data indicatingthat the third electrical connection is to be treated as a second scaledwire during the electrical calculation; and determine a third electricalresistance associated with the third electrical connection based on thesecond distance.
 24. A machine readable medium as defined in claim 23,wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance and thefirst electrical resistance is less than the third electrical resistancebecause the first distance is shorter than the second distance.
 25. Amachine readable medium as defined in claim 22, wherein the second alarmappliance and the third alarm appliance are separated in the drawingarea by a second distance and determining the second electricalresistance is not based on the second distance.
 26. A machine readablemedium as defined in claim 25, wherein the first distance is longer thanthe second distance and the first electrical resistance is less than thesecond electrical resistance.
 27. A machine readable medium as definedin claim 22, wherein the second user inputs comprise graphical placementof a line indicative of an electrical wire.
 28. A machine readablemedium as defined in claim 22, wherein the second user inputs comprisegraphical placement of a line indicative of a conduit.
 29. A machinereadable medium as defined in claim 22, wherein the first alarmappliance comprises one of a fire alarm siren, a fire alarm bell, asmoke detector, and a carbon-dioxide detector.
 30. A machine readablemedium as defined in claim 22, wherein determining the first electricalresistance associated with the first electrical connection based on thefirst distance comprises receiving a third user input indicative of ascale.
 31. A machine readable medium as defined in claim 22, wherein theinstructions are further structured to cause the machine to determine afirst current drain associated with the alarm system in a supervisorymode and a second current drain associated with the alarm system in analarm mode.